Aston Villa edged past Brentford in a 1-0 victory, with Ollie Watkins scoring the only goal early in the second half. It was a match where both sides had their chances, but Villa’s defensive resilience and efficiency in front of goal proved the difference. Despite Brentford generating 1.74 xG to Villa’s 1.29 xG, the Bees couldn’t find a way through.

Villa Make Their Chance Count

The game was a tight contest, but Villa made the most of their best opportunity:

Ollie Watkins struck in the 48th minute to break the deadlock. Brentford outshot Villa (12 to 12) but couldn’t find the net. Both sides saw a combined 13 blocked shots, reflecting the defensive battle.

Brentford will feel hard done by after creating the better chances, but their lack of a finishing touch cost them dearly.

Match Momentum: Brentford Push, Villa Hold Firm

The momentum graph shows Brentford as the more aggressive side in the first half and late on. They had Villa pinned back but couldn’t capitalize on their pressure.

Villa, meanwhile, struck early in the second half and then managed the game well, limiting Brentford’s clear-cut opportunities.

Shot Analysis: Brentford Wasteful, Villa Clinical

Brentford created better overall chances with 1.74 xG, but their 12 shots yielded zero goals. They failed to register a single shot on target, which tells the story of their frustrating night.

Villa, on the other hand, put 4 of their 12 shots on target, and Watkins’ goal (0.11 xG) proved to be the decisive moment. Their defensive discipline and clinical finishing won them the game.

Possession Tactics: Brentford’s Build-Up vs. Villa’s Direct Play

Brentford’s pass map highlights their patient build-up play, with Mathias Jensen and Christian Nørgaard dictating from midfield. However, their inability to break through Villa’s defensive structure meant their final ball was often lacking.

Villa, on the other hand, played more direct, targeting Watkins as their focal point. Their midfield trio of Tielemans, McGinn, and Rogers supported attacks efficiently, while the defense absorbed Brentford’s pressure.

Villa Take the Points, Brentford Left to Rue Missed Chances

Aston Villa weren’t at their free-flowing best, but they did what they needed to do—take their chance and defend well. Brentford will feel they should have gotten more from the match, especially considering their superior xG, but their failure to test the goalkeeper ultimately cost them.

Villa keep themselves in the fight for European places, while Brentford will be kicking themselves after another night of missed opportunities.